Dear Gator Nurses,

Well, we moved into the Dog Days of summer immediately this year! Gator Nurses are certainly familiar with unexpected, plan-changing, challenging events that become the “norm” in our lives. In spite of these events, Gator Nurses continue to problem-solve, complete tasks and find ways to enjoy life.  I have especially enjoyed the color that returned to Gainesville after a dry winter and spring.

Gator Nurse Gatherings in the spring were welcomed and enjoyed. The Gainesville Gathering, held May 10 at Hotel Indigo, enjoyed a large attendance. Gator Nurses mingled and networked with other alumni, enjoyed refreshments and received updates on our college from Dean Anna McDaniel. We rejoice that these meetings can again take place; other areas are planned for the near future.

Hopefully, you have registered for our Nursing Alumni Reunion weekend scheduled for Sept. 9-10, 2022. I am so excited to be together face-to-face! Kentucky Wildcats will face our Gators (7 p.m.); football packages are available with online registration for our traditional Tailgate and Silent Auction on Saturday, Sept. 10, 3-6 p.m. in the Harrell Medical Education Building. The Silent Auction provides funding by the Alumni Council for book award scholarships for beginning students. The College of Nursing Alumni Council meeting, the Alumni Mentor Meet-and-Greet and the Donor Recognition Event will be held on Friday, Sept. 9.  All Gator Nurses are encouraged to participate as mentors for current students through the Meet–and–Greet. By participating, you actively support students by sharing your nursing practice experiences. Our students are motivated, very intelligent and eager to hear your story! If interested, please contact Rachel Rivera.

Alumni Council Book Award scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Reunion Tailgate. Come meet these awesome students and encourage them in their pursuit of becoming a Gator Nurse. Book scholarships cover only a portion of the cost of first-year nursing textbooks; unfortunately, costs rise yearly. It would help immensely if ALL College of Nursing alumni would support this and other efforts to assist students and take an active role in the future of Gator Nursing.

It’s my final message as president of the College of Nursing Alumni Council. I want to thank each of you for the support I have received. I cannot adequately express my pride in being a Gator Nurse or how honored I am to be Alumni Council president these past two years. My term began as we entered the “pandemic world” and ends as Gator Nurses worldwide have made a difference. The support of council members, Dean McDaniel, and the Office of Advancement staff enabled me to continue the duties entrusted to me. I’m so grateful for Dean McDaniel’s leadership and support of the outstanding College of Nursing nurse leaders and educators who have excelled during this same time, leading the college to higher acclaim and recognition, all while providing students an exceptional nursing education. You all make Gator Nurses proud!

See you in September. Be strong.  Care…Lead…Inspire!

Elaine Whidden, MSN, ARNP, PNP

BSN 1965, MSN 1988